Stage show highlights mental illness

A local theater company stages a rock musical that draws attention to mental illness.

Roseanne DellAversano, executive and artistic director of Bootless Stageworks, says she wanted to feature the Tony Award-winning play 'Next to Normal' for Mental Health Month in May.

"I know that there are people out there who are suffering themselves, or may know someone who are suffering from mental illness, and to bring it to the forefront and let people know it's ok to talk about it, it's ok to say 'I have a problem,' and get the help that's needed," she said.

The show is about Diana, a wife and mother diagnosed as bipolar after a traumatic event in her life, and how her diagnosis affects her family. DellAversano says the play has a hopeful tone. The show opens May 9th in Newport. For more information, click here.